The Qatar Open will be the next major tournament bringing together the world's best players, led by Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, and Coco Gauff. The only top-10 player missing will be the recent Australian Open champion, Madison Keys, who has decided to take precautions regarding her return after an intense start to the season. She will be back on court in a week.
The defending champion is Swiatek, who begins an important stretch of point defense over the next few months. She needs to retain the title if she doesn’t want to lose sight of World No. 1 Sabalenka in the race for the top spot.
Sabalenka, Swiatek, and Gauff lead the field
Just like last year, Sabalenka and Swiatek headline opposite halves of the draw, but both are expected to face tough matches from the start. The top eight seeds receive a first-round bye, so they will wait to learn their opponents. Sabalenka could face 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu (who debuts against Ekaterina Alexandrova), while Swiatek could meet Maria Sakkari, who takes on a qualifier in her opening match.
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Other seeded players facing a potentially tough start include 2024 Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen. After a disappointing second-round exit at the Australian Open—and failing to defend her runner-up points from last year—she lost a significant number of ranking points and is playing just her second tournament of the year. Ons Jabeur could be her first opponent, but the Tunisian must first overcome American McCartney Kessler.
Meanwhile, 8th seed Emma Navarro could face former US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez, who is in strong form and plays a qualifier in her opener.
While the top seeds won’t be in action for the first couple of days, the opening round already promises high-level clashes. Former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin —who received a wildcard — faces the in-form Ashlyn Krueger, who seems poised for a breakout season after reaching her first WTA 500 final at just 20 years old.
Another all-American clash sees Amanda Anisimova take on former World No. 1 Victoria Azarenka, while 9th seed Paula Badosa debuts as a top-10 player against Czech Katerina Siniakova.
Additionally, 2023 Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova will continue searching for her best form as she faces former World No. 3 Elina Svitolina, who had an impressive Australian Open campaign, reaching the quarterfinals.
Notable absentees—besides World No. 7 Madison Keys—include Danielle Collins (No. 12), two-time Grand Slam champion Barbora Krejcikova (No. 14), and her compatriot Karolina Muchova (No. 17).
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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